Mazda trademarks new Wankel-shaped logo

Mazda has filed for a series of new trademarks – including a logo that looks unmistakably like a rotary engine.

The newly-published applications were discovered by Japan’s Hatena Blog. The emblem consists of a triangular motif with rounded edges, much like a rotor within a Wankel design.

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The lower-case ‘E’ formed by the logo’s cutout suggests it’s likely to appear on Mazda’s upcoming rotary-assisted electric range, the first of which will be a variant of the MX-30. This theory is backed by the other trademark filings, which include ‘e-SKYACTIV R-HEV’, ‘e-SKYACTIV R-EV’, and ‘e-SKYACTIV R-Energy’.

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The R-HEV tag may appear on the upcoming MX-30 hybrid, which will use an electric motor in conjunction with a range-extending rotary engine. The MX-30 is currently available with a 2.0-litre four-pot with hybrid assistance, or as a dedicated EV with a 200km driving range.

R-EV seems likely to represent a dedicated electric vehicle, while R-Energy remains unclear. Some outlets have speculated it could be a vehicle powered by an alternative fuel such as hydrogen — a project rumoured to be on the cards at Mazda.

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While reports in July indicated Mazda was putting the Wankel range extender on hold, a company representative recently told WhichCar that a 2022 arrival is still planned.

“There are no delays to the rotary range extender that is expected to come through next year in the MX-30,” they said.

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They also said Mazda is yet to publicly reveal anything about its freshly-trademarked ‘R’ logo, which sparked talk of a possible return to Wankel-powered sports cars.

Mazda has been contacted for comment on the new trademarks.